In brief
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is under fire for a $30 million contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) meant for developing detention center designs. Tribal members feel blindsided by the deal, equating the tribe's historical trauma with the current situation. The tribal leadership has expressed intentions to terminate the contract amidst widespread criticism, further complicated by legal implications and the tribe's past experiences with forced removal. With decreased federal funding, some argue economic pressures may lead to decisions conflicting with tribal values.
MAYETTA, Kan. — The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, whose ancestors were uprooted by the U.S. government during the 1830s, is facing significant outrage from fellow Native Americans regarding a recently signed contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The tribal business entity, KPB Services LLC, signed a nearly $30 million federal contract to design immigrant detention centers across the country, a decision met with intense backlash from tribal members who feel that such a move contradicts their historical fight against displacement and injustice.“This has left us feeling like traitors to our own kind,” said Ray Rice, a member of the tribe, emphasizing the shared identity and struggle within the indigenous community. The contract, awarded without competitive bidding, has raised questions about transparency and accountability, leading the tribe's leadership to acknowledge their oversight and consider ways to withdraw from the agreement.In a video message, Tribal Chairman Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick promised complete transparency, stating that the tribe is consulting legal counsel regarding the contract's termination. He highlighted the parallels between the tribe's history of forced removal to reservations and the role they might unknowingly play in further detaining people today.The backlash comes at a time of scrutiny surrounding ICE's practices, particularly as some Native Americans have been affected by recent immigration raids. Critics argue that participation in contracts benefiting ICE compromises tribal values and reinforces historical trauma, drawing ire not only locally but from Native American groups nationwide.With economic conditions worsening due to decreased federal support and rising inflation, tribal enterprises are under pressure to generate revenue. However, many fear that such financial pursuits could be at odds with their cultural values and ethical responsibilities. The tribes' wider businesses include healthcare management and contracting, yet the KPB Services contract has opened a contentious dialogue regarding the ethics of assisting in federal immigration enforcement.As the story unfolds, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is assessing the ramifications of this controversial contract, amidst calls for solidarity within the Native American community against policies that echo their painful history.
